Lunar Return Tarot Spread
First Published: February 17, 2023
Whilst enjoying the energy of your Lunar Return, why not use a tarot spread to help build your connection with this magick, and to consider how to use the energy available to you?
If you want to learn more about Lunar Returns, I recently wrote a full post + tips on how to utilise that, but for now, pull out your favourite deck and get excited for the month ahead! This tarot spread is a combination of both a return (like a birthday tarot spread) as well as a month-ahead tarot spread, because it looks at the energy of your Lunar Return, as well as how that energy might play out over the month ahead.
Take some deep breaths and focus on your intention for this reading.
Lunar Return Tarot Spread Layout & questions to ask
To begin, shuffle your tarot deck and draw a card for each position as shown in the below layout.
Finally, take some time to reflect on the questions that each card position represents and what message the tarot cards in that position might be trying to tell you. If you’re just starting to learn tarot, or if you’re still getting to know your deck, you may find my in-depth articles on the meanings of every tarot card helpful.
Tarot Card #1: Major or Minor Arcana Representative/Card Signifier for Energy
Your first card will be associated with the timing of your lunar return. Each Minor arcana card is associated with specific tarot timing that falls under a “lunar mansion”, which assigns to a specific zodiac sign. It’s much easier to find the timing associated with a Major arcana card, and for all the Rider Waite Smith tarot cards I have them listed in the card-meanings keywords to make it easier for you to find your signifying card! Alternatively, you can intuitively align a card with an energy you are feeling for your current lunar return.
Tarot Card #2: What to celebrate before?
This card will show you what you can celebrate from your last Lunar Return to this one, and whether it’s a large theme or a small one, it’s great to enjoy our accomplishments as they will always have an impact on us and our lives.
This may look like the Three of Pentacles, which would suggest that you have achieved something real tangible results on something you’ve been working on, or it could be the Queen of Cups, which would suggest that your emotions and feelings have been acknowledged by others and you stayed authentic with your honesty, even when it may have felt slightly uncomfortable.
Tarot Card #3: How can I keep moving?
The next card will show you what area of your life needs more attention during this Lunar Return. It may not necessarily be an area of weakness, but rather something that is calling out for a breakthrough or transformation.
This is with the sole purpose of moving forward – with our magick, with our goals, and with our intentions.
This may show up as Justice, acknowledging the Libra energy of this card to take a balanced approach to our decisions (also acknowledging the season of Libra), or it could show up as The Devil, indicating that there is a lesson in understanding the value of our material possessions and being mindful of how these can impact us.
Tarot Card #4: What to get excited about?
For this placement, this card is highlighting something fun for you to look forward to in the next month, and what an interesting theme this can be.
Imagine if this came up for you as the Six of Wands, indicating that you will have success with your plans, your work and manifestations? Imagine if this came up with the Three of Swords, and through some shadow work you’ll finally find the strength to let go of the pain you’ve been working through? Its all encouragement for empowerment, I’m excited for you.
Tarot Card #5: What to try to experience?
As a fun thing to explore for yourself, this card is sharing some insight on something that can provide you with growth, with adventure, and with energy. This may look like the Eight of Pentacles reversed, offering the challenge of learning a skill or picking up a hobby, or the Hermit which may suggest spending some time in quiet reflection.
Finally, think about any additional cards you can add in at this point to deepen your understanding of this reading.
Once you have your cards, take the time to sit with them and write down any insights or thoughts that come up for you – it’s a great way to connect with the energy of the moment and make sure that you are getting what you need out of this spread.
Happy Lunar Return you lovely human! Until next time xox
Try this 5-card Lunar Return reading now with the below online interactive tarot spread
What to do after this tarot reading
After you’ve finished a tarot reading, there are a few things you can do in order to reflect on the experience and integrate the insights you gained. Here are some suggestions:
Use a tarot journal to record your findings
Jotting down your thoughts in a tarot journal after reading can be helpful in a few ways. First, it can help you remember the details of your reading later on, such as how you felt at the moment and perhaps your first impressions of what a card meant. Second, it can provide a space for you to process the information you’ve received and explore what it means for you. Third, it can be a way to keep track of your progress over time as you revisit your journal entries and reflect on your journey.
Take a picture of the cards
If you want to remember the position of the cards and what they meant in relation to your questions, take a picture of the spread. This will help you look back on the reading later and review the insights you received. Sometimes, clarity is better acquired after you’ve stepped back from the situation for a little while and had some time to process it.
Some people create Instagram accounts or Pinterest accounts specifically for this, and if you use any of our spreads please tag us @backyardbanshee if you feel comfortable!
Take some time to meditate and reflect
Immediately after a tarot reading, it’s important to take some time to sit with the insights you’ve received. This can be done through proper meditation, visualisation, or simply taking some time to reflect on the reading. It can be helpful to think about what the messages from the cards mean for your life and how you can apply the advice that was given to you. That time can also be used to replenish your energy level and cleanse your tarot deck.
Get a second opinion from a close friend
If you have close friends who also happen to be tarot practitioners, it can be helpful to get their take on your reading. They may be able to offer additional insights or perspectives that you hadn’t considered before. This is also a good way to get feedback on your own interpretation of the cards.
Ensure to ask permission before just blindly sending your cards across in a message and saying “what does this mean to you?” as your friends may not have the energy or have a boundary with this sort of thing – manners cost nothing, and this is especially to note if they are a professional tarot reader who normally gets paid to interpret readings.
Layer your reading with more divination
Why not try adding astrology dice or a pendulum reading to your tarot session? Your intuition will guide you on how to best use these tools, but they can be helpful in providing more clarity around the messages from your tarot reading. We have lots of methods for you to utilise here on the website.
Do the same reading a month later
This is a great way to check in on your progress and see how far you’ve come. It can also be helpful in understanding the cyclical nature of our lives and how our current situation is likely to change over time. This can be especially useful if you’re struggling with a decision or trying to figure out which path to take as to offer suggestions, provide perspective and encourage your confidence to move forward.
At the end of the day, tarot readings are meant to be a helpful tool, not a replacement for your own intuition. The best way to use tarot is to combine the insights you receive with your own understanding of the situation. Trust your gut and follow your heart—the answers you’re looking for will come.
I have been passionate about reading divination for more than 15 years. This gives me a unique perspective when it comes to creating fun, supportive and creative tarot spreads. I hope they help you find the clarity and insight you are looking for.
More tarot spreads for you to try ✨
This page is part of our collection of tarot spread ideas. If you enjoyed the read, then you’ll love the following articles.
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